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The Americans with Disabilities Act put the spotlight on a group of people in the USA. This group now has a voice; a constituency that has come of age. This community votes, works and pays taxes.This blog is based on a N.Y. newspaper column I wrote for the Rockland County Journal-News from 1990-92.

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I flew home on a business trip this week from Las Vegas, Nevada, to JFK airport in New York, and once again the trip was daunting and frustrating.

Airline travel is tough enough for all of us, however, when you have a disability and are traveling in a wheelchair, it becomes even more challenging. As a backdrop, I've been traveling for more than 35 years as a wheelchair rider and a C5-C6 quadriplegic. I basically travel when I must, especially when there is a business purpose involved.

I was returning from a disability inclusion conference with an organization called Disability:In, formally known as USBLN. My team and I had just been recognized on behalf of our firm, JPMorgan Chase, as one of the best companies to work for if you have a disability and are qualified to compete for employment opportunities.

A perfect landing, but no wheelchairI had already done four transfers to and from from my wheelchair by the time I arrived at JFK airport in New York on Delta flight 371. When membe…

On the evening of Thursday June 21, 2018, 19 talented high school students received their high school diplomas form the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, New York.

I was honored to be invited as the commencement speaker for this talented class of graduates, who completed a rigorous education curriculum despite their disabilities.The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profit organizations, provides a lifespan of services that educate, employ and empower people with disabilities. Its programs and services include Kindergarten through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. View an overview video about The Viscardi Center.

The school was founded in 1952 by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. who himself wore prosthetic legs, served as disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Cart…

Jim Sinocchi is Head of the global Office of Disability Inclusion at JPMorgan Chase. He works closely with senior leaders across the firm to establish consistent standards and processes to better support employees with disabilities.
Sinocchi joined the firm in 2016 to head the newly established office. He currently serves as a board member of the Viscardi Center’s Board of Directors Inc., a K-12 school in New York for severely disabled students affiliated with The Viscardi School; United Spinal Association, a nonprofit that seeks to enhance the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders; and RespectAbility, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Sinocchi received an MA in Public Administration from New York University and a BA from Colgate University.